From MetLife Stadium to Mentorship: Tems’ Mission to Empower African Women in Music
Grammy-winning Nigerian sensation Tems is turning her spotlight into a beacon of hope for aspiring female music professionals across Africa. Following her remarkable performance at New York’s MetLife Stadium during the FIFA Club World Cup halftime show, the 30-year-old artist revealed to CNN’s Larry Madowo and Lamide Akintobi that her mission extends far beyond personal fame.
The soulful vocalist, known for her unique blend of vulnerable artistry and quiet rebellion, hasn’t forgotten her challenging journey through the music industry. “It was really hard to get people to take me seriously — not just as a producer, but as a singer,” she candidly shared, reflecting on times when she “didn’t feel safe, seen, or supported.”
Now, Tems is channeling her success into meaningful change. July 2025 marked the launch of her groundbreaking Leading Vibe Initiative, a comprehensive mentorship and training platform designed to empower African women aged 18-35 in the music industry. The program specifically targets producers, managers, and engineers, addressing the visibility gap in these male-dominated roles.
“There are so many talented women who can be producers, managers, audio engineers — but they’re not even visible,” the two-time Grammy winner emphasized. “I want to make them visible and create a space where we can redefine the perspective of women in music.”
Starting in Lagos, the initiative is already planning its expansion, with Kenya next on the horizon. “We’re definitely taking this beyond Nigeria,” Tems announced, highlighting her pan-African vision. Her commitment to this cause stems from personal experience — including times when she had to wear oversized clothing to studios to avoid unwanted attention.
This February, during her acceptance speech for the Best African Song Performance Grammy, Tems paid tribute to the Nigerian female singers who paved her way. Now, through the Leading Vibe Initiative, she’s not just inspiring the next generation but equipping them with practical tools for success.
“Fame is not what you want,” she wisely notes. “You could be famous and uncomfortable, famous and unsuccessful. What you really want is to be comfortable.” For Tems, true success means creating lasting change for women in African music, one mentee at a time.
